Familial Hypercholesterolemia Treatment Guide

Reduce Saturated Fat Intake

Consuming a diet high in saturated fats is particularly risky for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Studies have shown saturated fats increase total cholesterol, and they also raise low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is already elevated in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. For patients with high cholesterol, doctors generally recommend saturated fats make up just five percent of the total daily calorie intake. For a patient consuming two thousand calories per day, this equates to approximately eleven grams of saturated fat. To reduce saturated fat intake, patients could start by reducing meat and dairy, which naturally contain higher levels of saturated fat. Switching to one percent or skim milk may be beneficial. In addition, reducing the use of oils such as palm, palm kernel, and coconut oil will help lower an individual's saturated fat intake.

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Options For Medications

Nearly all patients with familial hypercholesterolemia will need to take cholesterol-lowering medication. Children with this condition may need to start medication as early as ten years old. Options for appropriate medications include statins, bile acid-binding resins, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Some patients may be able to take a combined pill that contains a statin and a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. In addition to these medicines, alirocumab and evolocumab are injectable medications specifically designed to treat familial hypercholesterolemia. Both drugs enable the liver to absorb a higher amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Patients can self-administer these injections, and they are typically taken two or three times per month. For patients who have high triglycerides and high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, doctors may recommend using some of the aforementioned medications with omega-3 supplements, niacin, and fibrates. While taking these medications, patients may need to have routine blood tests to monitor their cholesterol and liver function. Patients should report any muscle pain, weakness, or other side effects to their medical team. If possible, an alternate medication can be prescribed to reduce side effects.

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